Semper Paratus

From the USCG website: “The U. S. Coast Guard is simultaneously and at all times a military force and federal law enforcement agency dedicated to maritime safety, security, and stewardship missions. We save lives. We protect the environment. We defend the homeland. We enforce Federal laws on the high seas, the nation’s coastal waters and its inland waterways. We are unique in the Nation and the world.
The Coast Guard has been in service in one form or another since August 4, 1790.”

Now THAT is a mission statement! On August 4, 1790, President Washington authorized the, “…construction of ten vessels to enforce federal tariff and trade laws and to prevent smuggling.”

If he only knew what he had created. Far from being a service that only enforces tariff laws, today’s Coast Guard is all over the globe and routinely battles the enemies of freedom and liberty who aim to do us harm. It has developed into a world leader in law enforcement and counter-narcotics operations, and its Coastguardsmen stand shoulder to shoulder with Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines in hostile areas around the world.

Thousands upon thousands of people owe their lives to the heroism of Coast Guard personnel who are always there when we need them.